Using a variety of grains is one factor that sets the making of whisky apart from the making of other distilled spirits.

A variety of grains provides complexity in the aroma and taste of the whisky.

In Canada, the distiller has a wide variety of grains to choose from, each providing a different nuance of flavour.

One of the most important grains for Canadian Whisky is corn. Distillers look for different varieties of corn because each will provide a distinct flavour and a different amount of fermentable sugars.

Additional grains, including rye and barley are also used. Rye is the grain that provides the most distinctive flavour to a Canadian Whisky. While generally used in smaller amounts, its flavour is easily detected as a distinct “spiciness” and “fruitiness” that is characteristic in good quality Canadian Whisky.

Fermenting or "Yeasting"
Yeast is a vital component in the making of whisky. It is a natural living organism that converts the sugar into alcohol. Yeast also contributes a defining flavour to the whisky depending on the strain the distiller has chosen. The fermentation process begins when the yeast is added to the cooled mash, taking 3 or 4 days to complete. Once the sugars are finished being converted into alcohol & carbon dioxide, the mash has a sour and bitter flavour. At this point it typically contains 8 to 9% alcohol and is described as a “distiller’s beer”.back to top

Distilling
After fermentation, the distiller’s beer passes through a still, where steam heats the liquid to boiling. Alcohol & natural flavours have a lower boiling point than water. The heating separates the alcohol & flavours from the water. The alcohol & flavour vapors are then cooled & condensed into a clear, colourless young whisky spirit. Today, most whiskies are distilled in very large two, three or four column continuous stills. Largely, because the economics of whisky making requires efficiency. It is the traditional copper pot still however, that allows the creativity and craftsmanship of the whisky maker to shine. In a copper pot still, steam inside copper coils heats the base of the still. The alcohol and flavour is held within the body of the still until it’s heated to the point that it vapourizes. The alcohol and flavour vapours travel to the head of the still, where they condense and are collected.

Maturing
Young whisky spirit is put into oak barrels where the interaction with the wood, and a slow evaporation process, cause the spirit to change from a young, harsh whisky to an aged, mellow, smooth whisky. Both the choice of oak barrel, and the length of time the whisky is aged, as well as the climate of the ageing location affect the final flavours of the whisky. By law, a Canadian Whisky must spend at least 3 years ageing in oak barrels. However, the distiller will usually choose to age whiskies for varying lengths of time.

Blending
Matured whiskies of different character and ages are blended to achieve the final taste desired by the distiller. The blending process enables a complex taste profile and consistency in the whisky.